March 28, 2024

Ambulance service increase to go before council

An increase to the rates charged for ambulance service will go before the Newton City Council at its regular meeting on Monday. The resolution is among many pieces of action including several Downtown Micro Grant Funds requests and the granting of Executive Rental Grant Funds for a downtown apartments.

The Newton Fire Department is proposing a 1.2 percent increase in fees which coincides with the yearly rate schedule provided by the Center for Medicare Services. The rate is reviewed and revised every year by the department.

If the rate is approved, it will go in effect immediately.

Three Downtown Micro Grant Funds requests will go before the council. The first is for $33,790 from Brandi Mace to use for a multi-faceted rehabilitation project for a building at 106 to 109 N. Second Ave. E. The total project costs are estimated at $84,785.

The second project is by Kayla Juni for Kayla’s Dance Company at 128 1/2 N. Second Ave. E. She has requested $321 for a sign project estimated at a total price of $642.

The final project is for $2,425 from Joann Kunkel for the building at 112 N. Second Ave. W. The total project cost is
estimated at $5,307.

The Grant Review Board reviewed each request and recommended them for council approval.

The Executive Rental Grant Program provides assistance for new construction or rehabilitation projects which create high-quality rentals with short term lease availability within the community. Dusty Clements, owner of the apartments at 209 to 211 N. Second Ave. W., requested funds to be used to rehabilitate two upper level apartments for a total of $10,000.

The review board found the project to meet the established program criteria and recommends approval to the project.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com